Canada Day celebrations showcase cultural diversity

Canada Day celebrations showcase cultural diversity

ISSofBC Coquitlam and Langley embraced Canada Day celebrations Tuesday in two separate events showcasing a great appreciation for cultural diversity in Metro Vancouver.

At the Willoughby Community Park in Langley, ISSofBC staff, volunteers and public celebrated Canada’s 147th birthday in a blitz of music, performances, activities and food.

“The whole park was like a mirror that reflected the emblem of cultural diversity and love among different communities. There were candies, sweets, balloons and bright colours all around. The air was filled with the aroma of many different cultural cuisines like donairs, pitas, samosas, hotdogs, sushi, hurricane potatoes, popcorn and a lot more. People from different countries, cultures and backgrounds showed off their heritage by performing their best cultural dances,” said Nanki Guliani, ISSofBC Program Finance Assistant for Skills Connect for Immigrants.

ISSofBC in Coquitlam helped run a similar celebration along with more than 100 staff and volunteers, many of whom were Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada Program (LINC) students.

The event, at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, was well-attended and included an opening parade highlighting the diversity of cultures in the Tri-Cities area.

“The volunteers showcased their traditional costumes during the opening parade and shared their talents holding a craft table and face-painting activities for children,” said Ewa Karczewska, ISSofBC LINC Manager in Coquitlam.

In addition ISSofBC staff and volunteers hosted a Canada trivia challenge at the organization’s booth as a fun way to learn more about the country.

“Many visitors of all ages enjoyed our Canadian trivia game. At times, entire family cooperation was needed to answer the question! Even visitors from outside of Canada tried to answer the questions,” Ewa said.

Communities across Metro Vancouver including Surrey, Richmond and Vancouver also celebrated Canada’s 147th birthday with events, music and fireworks.